Hello and welcome to ex libris (“from the library”), my monthly roundup of book discussion and recommendations. This work will be better with your contributions, so please feel free to chime in below if you’d like!
This month’s book stack:
I realized as I put together last week’s book basket for Holy Week/Easter that I had plenty of recommendations for adults, as well. So instead of a list of what I’m currently reading (that will come next month!) I thought I’d give you a Holy Week/Easter list for grown-up people. Some of these are for families; some are for individuals.
The Risen One: Experiencing Jesus in All of Easter (Scott James) Here’s a family devotional that is designed to last twelve weeks, spanning the time between Christmas and Easter. In this way, it loosely follows the church calendar, but you could jump in at any time with these meditations on Christ’s coming, life, death, and resurrection. (Full disclosure: Scott is my good in-real-life friend but I would recommend this book even if he weren’t.)
Rich Wounds (David Mathis) This is a devotional book containing thirty entries reflecting on the suffering of Christ. Each one is laden with scripture and includes an excerpt from the author. There’s even a free reading plan with suggested progression through the book at various times of the Lent/Easter season. (Full disclosure: This book is published by my employer, but I would recommend it even if it weren’t. And also — dang, a lot of people like this one.)
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (Nancy Guthrie) This is a collection of classic readings from various authors on the Passion of Christ. I love Nancy’s Advent/Christmas collection; this is along the same lines, but for Lent/Easter. (I have nothing to disclose regarding this book and my employment status and/or friendship with Nancy Guthrie, but I do feel like we’d be friends if we were given the chance.)
Word in the Wilderness (Malcolm Guite) This is a collection of sacred poetry plus Malcolm Guite’s reflections on each of the poems. Some are Guite’s own poetry; some are composed by others. I’ve found it really helpful to make me slow down and be quiet this season. Malcolm is an excellent teacher, pulling out things you might not have noticed, and then leaving it to you to do further homework. (Full disclosure: I once met Malcolm at a conference, and he is every bit as charming in person as he is in this interview featuring him and his motorcycle.)
The Cross of Christ (John Stott) What a classic. Stott’s meditations on what the cross of Jesus means to his own people. “I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross. . . . In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?” (No disclosure on this one, either — nothing but respect. Cheers to Rev. Stott.)
A note on purchase links: I’m a happy supporter of independent bookshops, so the links I provide will almost always go to my affiliate link at bookshop.org. For my local readers, I heartily recommend you buy them through our favorite, Goldberry Books, but you might have a shop closer to you. Of course, you can always find these selections on That Big Website That Ships Quickly, But Not As Quickly as It Used To, and Remember How They Sucked Us All In By Being a Bookstore to Begin With? I’m also a big fan of saving money and patronizing your local library. Happy reading!
I LOVE An Ocean of Grace by Tim Chester.
I read The Glory of the Cross but Tim Chester one year during Lent and really loved it!